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Even if you are a diligent brush and floss, the spots can still appear on the teeth. While some types of discoloration are not a cause for concern, a black or dark spot can indicate a more serious problem such as tooth decay.
If your pearly whites are stained or discolored, you may be wondering why this happens and what you can do to get rid of the dark spots on your teeth.
In this article we will explain the causes of these dark spots, what you can do to get rid of them and how to know if you are dealing with something more serious.
Unless you have a Sharpie pen near your mouth, that black dot could be a sign that your tooth is in danger.
Some of the more common causes of a black or brown spot on the tooth can be due to the following:
- caries or a cavity
- an injury to the affected tooth
- accumulation of tartar on the tooth
- coloration due to frequent consumption of certain foods or beverages such as coffee, tea, and soda, or from the use of nicotine products such as cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and cigars
- discoloration due to the use of antibiotics as a child, especially the antibiotic tetracycline
- fluorosis, a condition that occurs due to excessive fluoride intake
- medical conditions such as celiac disease
If food and bacteria build up on your teeth, they can form a sticky substance known as plaque.
If plaque is allowed to form, the acids in the plaque can erode the enamel on the surface of the teeth. This can cause cavities to form.
Signs of a cavity can include:
- a dark spot or stain on your teeth
- sensitivity to heat and cold in the affected tooth
- persistent pain in the tooth
- a hole or pit in the tooth
- persistent sensitivity to sweet foods or drinks
- pain while eating
If you have any of these symptoms, make an appointment with a dentist as soon as possible to prevent further cavities or complications.
Fillings are generally recommended for cavities when the caries is closest to the surface and does not affect the tooth pulp or nerves.
As the tooth decay becomes more advanced and penetrates the soft core beneath the enamel layer of the tooth, the pulp inside the tooth can become inflamed or infected. When this happens, a root canal is often needed to clean the caries.
If you want to get rid of a dark spot or spot on your tooth – and it’s not due to tooth decay – you have a few options.
If a dark spot is caused by staining, treatments both at home and in the office can help remove the discoloration.
According to a 2017 review, current options for tooth stain removal include:
- Teeth whitening kit based on peroxide or whitening strips. Both home and professional teeth whitening treatments can help remove stains and whiten teeth.
- Dental prophylaxis. This office procedure uses a prophylactic paste to remove dental plaque and tartar (tartar). The abrasives in the paste can also help remove surface stains on the teeth.
- Pastes, powders or liquids for teeth whitening. Brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride-containing whitening paste can help remove food debris and plaque, as well as surface stains. Ingredients may include peroxides and baking soda, with baking soda as a desirable abrasive for stain removal.
- Veneers. Some dentists may recommend porcelain veneers or composite bonds to hide stubborn dark spots. This is a more expensive option.
While dark spots on teeth are not uncommon, there are steps you can take to prevent blemishes and reduce the risk of tooth decay.
To keep your teeth healthy and look their best, try some of these tips:
- Practice good oral hygiene by brushing with fluoride whitening toothpaste and floss at least twice a day. For best results, try to brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes. You can also use a mouthwash containing ingredients such as alcohol, menthol, or eucalyptol. These ingredients can help kill bacteria in the mouth and on the teeth, but shouldn’t be used in place of brushing and flossing.
- Brush your teeth immediately after consuming foods and drinks that can cause stains and stains, such as coffee, tea, soda, wine, red sauces, or chocolate.
- Some dentists recommend drinking coffee or other tooth-staining drinks with a straw to prevent the liquid from touching your teeth.
- Avoid using nicotine products such as cigarettes, pipe tobacco, chewing tobacco, or cigars.
- Go to your dentist every 6 months for a routine checkup and cleaning.
- Talk to your dentist about professional whitening treatments and any extra steps you can take to protect the health of your teeth.
Even if you brush and floss regularly, stains can still appear on your teeth.
Some discolorations from certain foods and drinks are common and generally not a cause for concern. But a black spot or spot can be a warning sign of tooth decay.
If you notice a black or dark spot on your tooth, it is important that you see your dentist. They can determine the cause and provide options.
If the spot is due to caries, your dentist may recommend a filling, root canal, or some other option. If the dark spot is due to stains from food, drink, or nicotine products, your dentist can recommend specific home or office treatments to remove the stain and whiten your teeth.
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